We celebrate the life of one of the kindest, funniest, most genuine, big hearted young men anyone could ever know ...Joshua Daniel Raffield. Joshua or Josh, as he was well known, was born on August 8, 2005 in Clermont, Florida to his dad Donnie Raffield and his momma Tammy Clayborn. From the time Josh was born, everyone who met him knew there was something special about him. Even as a baby, his smile could light up a room. The friendliness of his presence would make anyone comfortable and instantly feel at home and have a connection and closeness to him. He had a way about him that would make you smile even without him realizing it or really trying. Jesus Christ and family were what meant most to Josh. He was a young man of God.

Some fun memories with Josh include the little terms of endearment between he and family members such as: "Baby Yoda" because when he was little, he hadn't quite grown into his ears or "Corn Dog" due to the fact that Joshua's toes looked like well, corn dogs. When Joshua was living with his dad, he would continuously say, "FF Daddy, FF." Donnie finally replied one day, "Boy, are you swearing?"  Joshua said,  "No! FF means Feed the Family, Dad." Joshua always swore he was going to make it big and take care of his family. Little did he know he already had. Joshua was who he was at all times whether he was at school or on the football field. When once asked why he didn't seek revenge on someone who was being disrespectful, his answer would be, "I'm about that Jesus life, bro."  Josh made many friends working at Chick-fil-A. He brought joy and laughter to his co-workers and did his best make his supervisors proud. He absolutely loved his job there. On the football field, Josh was affectionately known as "Big Nasty." Coach Tony said he got that nickname from when he walked out on the field, he had a nasty, fearless look about him that would make anybody be afraid to go up against him; he was a force to be reckoned with. When he knocked somebody down however, he would be the first one to extend his hand to help them up. Joshua graduated from high school earlier this year, and on that same day, he got his  driver's license and a car. Y ou never would have seen a more grateful young man. He so happy to have those who loved him the most be there to celebrate that day with him. Shortly before his passing, Joshua began his first semester of college at Lake Sumter in Clermont.  His intentions were for sports medicine, but later learned that he confided in his dad and told him he wanted to pursue public speaking as he wanted to be a minister. In his own way, Joshua already fulfilled that calling as he ministered to many.  Whether at home or at church, Joshua lived the life where he "walked the walk that he talked" in regards to his relationship with Jesus. He was not ashamed to share his love for Jesus with others. On may occasions, wherever it may be, he was asked to lead prayer. He  led friends and teammates to the Lord. So many memories of the beautiful gifts Joshua had will forever dance in our hearts and heads.

On the evening of Monday, August 28, an evening we will never forget, God told Josh to finish his race and called him home.  Joshua is in Heaven awaiting his momma, Tammy Clayborn; his dad, Donnie Raffield; his "Bonus Mom," Toni Raffield; his brother, Jeremy Rodriguez; his sisters: Joy Lawson and Tatiana Raffield; his grandparents; his "adopted parents" Jonathan and Helena and their family (to whom we will be eternally grateful); his best friend,  John Korzinowski and his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, church family too many more to mention.

The Bible says, "Oh, death were is thy sting o grave where is thy victory?" If we believe what that Bible says, and hope we all do, we believe that Josh is very much alive. Today we are rejoicing knowing that he is happier than he has ever been and we will be reunited with him one day; never to be separated again. In Joshua's famous words... "And that's on Jesus' name." Amen.

For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only

begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in

Him should not perish but

have everlasting life.

John 3:16